Updated 9/7/06

Bala Vihar is a forum through which children learn about many aspects of Hindu culture and philosophy. Children are taught according to their level of understanding. The very little ones (age 2 and above) learn about the Gods through simple bhajans, stories, and coloring. As they get older, they start learning values through songs, moral stories, games, arts and crafts, and the Balavihar Alphabet. Next, they are introduced to the Ramayan, Bhagavatam, and Mahabharat. An emphasis is placed on character analyses so as to develop ideal role models for the children. Along with this, the children celebrate all the religious and cultural festivals, and learn about their significance. Here they get into the symbolism in Hinduism, including that of all the rituals, Gods, Om, etc. At this point, they begin to learn the practical applications of the moral and ethical values (i.e. from the Bhagavad Geeta) in their daily lives. Then, when they reach high school, they are taught through discussions about the philosophical aspects of Hinduism, or Vedanta. After completing the full course, the children are then trained to be Bala Vihar Sevaks (group leaders). Finally, they become teachers, inspiring the younger generations, and strengthening their own understanding.

While the children are in their respective classes, the parents attend a session of their own. Here, the parents have the opportunity to discuss issues that arise when raising children in America. The adults also learn the basic philosophies of Hindu Dharma through the Bhagavad Geeta, enabling them to reinforce the Bala Vihar teachings at home.

The Chinmaya method of teaching has been repeatedly proven to work in Bala Vihars around the world. Children who go through the course not only learn all the values fundamental to Hindu beliefs, but also know how to apply them to their day-to-day challenges. These kids are able to successfully resolve their identities in this dual culture and go on to be strong leaders with integrity and pride in their rich heritage.

"A Spectacular Summer Experience"
by Sandhya Krishnan, Novi Balavihar

 A few years ago, Swami Swaroopananda visited Ann Arbor for the second time.  And what a time it was…

 The first five days at the amazing Chinmaya Avantika Ashram were spent as a children’s day camp.  All kids, Balavihar students or not, attended the camp.  I still remember the sight of kindergartners toddling along with highschool students in the main hallway, getting lost in the masses of children that attended the camp.  Not that there was any time to wander the halls, since each minute of the day, we were involved in one activity or another.  The main theme of the camp revolved around the Vibheeshan Geeta, and our topic was “Win the Mind, Win the World!”  Every day, we met Swamiji twice – an hour each time – for lectures upon the text of the Vibheeshan Geeta.  Although, if one has met Swami Swaroopananda, one knows he really never just conducts lectures.  More than that, Swamiji holds a friendly, entertaining discussion with the kids.  The younger students loved him so much for his jollity that they on more than one occasion, refused to leave the main hall after their lecture was over, demanding to stay and hear our lecture!!
Swamiji enjoyed the camp and the company as much as we did.  Even while we were not in lecture sessions with Swamiji, he would come and visit us in our different activities.  Speaking of activities, each day of the camp had activities relating to the theme of the day.  Some activites though, like opening prayers, yoga, and concluding prayers were performed every day.  The themes of the camp were of the celebration of different holidays:

· Monday, June 24: Ganesh Chaturthi – when we painted clay models of Ganesha and performed Ganesha Puja.  After the puja, we collected the chandan idols to which we prayed and dipped them into a pool of water (while yelling “Ganapati Bappa, Moriyaa!!”)
· Tuesday, June 25: Independence Day of India – when we learnt patriotic songs and went outside to romp in the sun.  Our hard work out in the sun earned us Popsicles to refresh our mouths, an activity for which Swamiji joined us (shaded in a fashionable Om hat).
· Wednesday, June 26:  HOLI!! – when we received beautifully crafted Krishna sculptures to paint which we shall treasure forever.  And, we had a grand water fight!  Since colored powder was hard to come by, all children, old and young went out into the parking lot where we alternately sprayed and got sprayed by three water hoses – while at the same time, smearing each other with food coloring.  In addition to kids in sopping wet clothes, all the teachers present got mighty drenched (they got each other wet as well).
· Thursday, June 27:  Dussehra – when we held a great carnival on the grounds!  It was fantastic!  There were so many things to do.  Refreshments were available thanks to a popcorn machine, cotton candy machine, and a flavored ice machine.  Every kid had at least three helpings of each delicacy.  Then, there was a moonwalk (large, air filled structure to bounce upon), a fortune teller tent, a tattoo tent, and games upon games to play.  It was a huge hit among all the kids!
· Friday, June 28:  Diwali – when we had a pizza party and we set up a cultural program for Swamiji.  Throughout the camp, each individual group had set up a program of what they would present before Swamiji on the last day of camp.  On Friday, it all came together and parents and children alike enjoyed the two hour show comprising of entertainment and factual details.  This event was the resounding finale to our camp and it went off with a bang!

On the whole, this camp was an amazing one, in terms of the content and the entertainment it provided.  It couldn’t have been better, thanks to all those teachers who worked so hard to make it run so smoothly!  I wish that next year again, such an opportunity will come our way and until then, I can only live off of my memories of that spectacular week.